Is Apria Really That Bad?

[KarD786]

Hello all, just got the call from my doctor's office that my doctor gave the ok for me to get a data capable machine. However the DME connected with the doctor's office said they will be sending the prescription out because they make less profit on the data capable machine. She said she was sending it to a local company within network, but the reviews were absolutely horrendous. Multiple reviews about unfilled orderes, inability to contact employees for neccesary requirements, billing mistakes, extremely long wait times, etc. It just seems like a sh** show from reading the reviews. I am therefore thinking of having it sent to Apria instead. I understand its known as crapria, but I am sure they have some kind of organization and structure being as big as they are.

[chunkyfrog]

The only way you can find out is to call them directly, and have your doc make the RX
for "patient access to AHI and leak data,--No substitutions"
Apria likes bricks, and lying. Get ready for a fight.
You can talk to the guys with the bad reviews for what they WILL provide.
Bad reviews are not always from customers--some may be written by competitors.

[KarD786]

Okay great. Seeing as how Apria is known as the bad ones on here, are there any DME franchises that people usually have a good experience with? I have 24 providers in network, but 21/24 only have the 800 number, not a local number that I can contact them at. So so far I have only contacted three DME's total.

[KarD786]

I think you were right chunkyfrog. The DME just called me and they seemed very professional and also said they don't order out, they carry the machines in stock. She said that if it was for a data capable machine, it would be a Respironics 460. And she said that since my insurance doesn't require prior authorization, that I would be set up no later than Friday. Update: a different lady just called back and confirmed the prescription and said that be getting an S9 Elite because the prescription stated elite w/ahi compatibility. I mean either way I'll be happy. My prescribed pressure is 8, which is the first time I've heard of it. It seems relatively low. One question. Should I request for them to put patience preference for mask on the prescription? I was ok with the one with my titration, but am thinking that I may want to try a few different ones. The dme also has a 30 day exchange program.

[sc0ttt]

One question. Should I request for them to put patience preference for mask on the prescription? I was ok with the one with my titration, but am thinking that I may want to try a few different ones. The dme also has a 30 day exchange program.

Maybe just call the DME and ask if you'll be able to choose... if the prescription says a specific mask they might want to OK it with the doc, probably doesn't need a new script.

[Guest]

One question. Should I request for them to put patience preference for mask on the prescription? I was ok with the one with my titration, but am thinking that I may want to try a few different ones. The dme also has a 30 day exchange program.

That is always wise so you don't have debate when you are having troubles with a mask & everyone has troubles with the first few masks no doubt.

[KarD786]

Thank you guys for the replies. I believe the mask they said id liked during the titration is a mirage active nasal mask. What are some of the good nasal masks? One thing I didn't like about it was how it was rather heavy and big. They gave me one to try before which was extremely lightweight, but was also small and felt a bit claustrophobic. I am guessing a lightweight should suffice with a low pressure setting of 8

[bwexler]

You are asking great progress.
My preference would still be for an Autoset but you, your doc and the DME would have to work that out.

Currently I am using a Wisp nasal mask it is small and light and works well for me. It leaks a bit more than I like when my pressure gets above 20 cm, which it has been doing a lot lately my DS960 seems to be able to deal with the leaks and keep my AHI well under 5 even on bad days and often below 1.

[KarD786]

I was actually looking into that mask. Seems like it may be great for my needs. I'm gonna inquire about using that as my first go-around.

[gary1231]

I just started back on my machine two nights ago, and I switched from a full face to a Wisp. I am liking the Wisp so far. It comes with all three size nasal masks so you don't have to worry about it not fitting you.

I have had my ups and downs with Apria.

When I first got the machine a little over a year ago, it was a great experience. My prescription had been transferred from American Home Patient to Apria, because AHP didn't work with my insurance. The process to get the machine was really quick, and I picked up my machine from the local Apria "store" - I call it that because it is in a strip mall. It has a small retail area up front, some cubicles in the middle, and a meeting room/small warehouse in the back. We have a larger warehouse nearby as well (which also has a storefront, which I did not know). The respiratory therapist was very friendly and explained everything to me.

When I was trying to get back on my machine after seeing a new neurologist, it was impossible to get in touch with Apria. First, I emailed them. No response. Then, I tried calling the 800 number and left two messages and also did not get a response. I then tried calling the local store, but I would just get put on hold automatically and nobody would pick up.

I finally got ahold of someone at the 800 number. They now have a special number just for sleep management supplies. The person insisted I schedule an appointment for a fitting, because if it did not fit, I would not be able to return it. Apparently they didn't know it came with all three sizes. I agree to make the appointment.

So, I show up for the appointment - the door is locked. They didn't open for another 35 minutes. I called the number on the door, it redirected to the 800 number. The person who answered said she would send them a message. After a while, I got fed up and banged on the door twice, and got someone's attention. They were all in a meeting in the back.

Turns out that the Apria call center had scheduled me for an appointment at the other location. Which is at least twice as far, if not further away from my house. I can take a very direct route with state highways to get to the strip mall location, the other location is in a business park. But the lady who answered the door was nice enough to see me, and set me up with a Wisp. She even suggested I come back in to see a respiratory therapist for a re-teach. I called to schedule it, and sure enough, they were trying to schedule me for the other location again. So once I got that straightened out, I was able to make an appointment.

I forgot to pick up new filters for my machine, so I called the Sleep Management number. Talk...about...slow... it took probably 15 minutes to order three packs of tiny filters. Apria does offer auto-order on supplies, but I wanted to make sure I liked the Wisp before I set anything up.

Glad you've had a good experience so far with your local DME provider. Kind of wished I had gone that route myself, now.

[zorki1c]

Thank you guys for the replies. I believe the mask they said id liked during the titration is a mirage active nasal mask. What are some of the good nasal masks? One thing I didn't like about it was how it was rather heavy and big. They gave me one to try before which was extremely lightweight, but was also small and felt a bit claustrophobic. I am guessing a lightweight should suffice with a low pressure setting of 8

I started a year ago with the RedMed Swift FX nazal pillows but three months ago switched to the new Airfit P10 which feels so good I sometimes actually forget I'm wearing it. That doesn't mean it is the perfect mask for you but it might be worth checking out.

[KarD786]

Hmm the airfit p10 is the nasal pillow correct? I like that one, but the pillows seemed a bit uncomftorable at the titration study. The bigger problem was the leakage that I was experiencing right off the back. I'm worried that tossing and turning through the night could slightly change the seal causing a leak and making the therapy ineffective.

[chunkyfrog]

I would think the sleep lab used a new set of pillows, and I have noticed a 2 or 3 night break in period with most products.
--There is a chance the pillows you used were new, and stiffer than they will ever be again.
Given a little time, you may find them softer.

[Petrodon]

Can someone fill in the blanks for me on this. I finally had my appointment with Apria and after a 45 minute wait I tried to explain to the res therapist that I was in need of a nasal pillow mask. She says, nope you need a full face mask, then slaps a brand new Mirage Quattro on me. Then after I tried fitting it it gave me a good fright so I asked for something less bulky. She says, "sorry I'd have to throw out that mask now because you might have tuberculosis." WTF?!? Are you kidding me? I wanted a new mask and they force you to buy a new one every time you stick it on your face for thirty seconds? I'm dumping Apria, this relationship has become abusive.

[chunkyfrog]

Full face masks are more expensive; I believe more profitable as well.
Some personnel are not trained to put your health and comfort ahead of $$$$$.
Dump them, and tell your doctor why.
If your doc has specified a full face mask, ask why.
Press for your comfort--it's YOUR face, YOUR sleep, and YOUR health.